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Is it too early to start thinking about 2013?

Yes I know the 2012 season hasn't even really started yet, but I think this draft and the impact it might make will be huge once 2013 comes around. I think we all can agree about a few things. This will be Casey Hampton's final season one way or another. I think its nuts to keep him around with all the recent injury's he's had for the kind of money he's making. Maybe the Steelers draft his heir apparent in this draft maybe not. It's all but certain they will try and grab a DT/NT this draft, but with Poe now out of reach is there anyone after him who could fill the bill? Maybe Martin, Chapman, Hicks, whoever it will be they need to be the kind of mountain in the middle Hampton has been.
Now how about Mike Wallace? If he stays in Pittsburgh this year will it be a 1 year contract? If so and he doesn't sign a long term deal, that will put the Steelers in the same position with him next year. Only difference is he will be a UFA not an RFA. Speaking of RFAís thatís what Brown and Sanders will be next year, setting up a situation in 2013 that will be even stickier to deal with. That being said, look at some of the contracts some of the WR's this year have received so far. Robert Meachem and Josh Morgan in my opinion are lesser WR's then Wallace and both are making in the neighborhood of 6mil/yr. That kind of puts into perspective where the future contracts of Wallace, Brown and maybe Sandersí are headed. And itís all headed for another cap mess in 2013.
So my next big piece to the puzzle involves James Harrison. By the time the 2013 season starts he will be 35. Yes he's a great OLB but he also has great negatives. The big one is his age, which brings along with it a greater chance for injury and possible decline in production. He like Hampton this season will carry a huge chunk of money for by NFL standards, such an old player. He also has the target on his back positioned there by Goodell and Co. So would it be beneficial for the Steelers to cut ties with him after this season? I think so. Something again will have break in order to free up more cap space. So if he is gone after 2012, like Porter, Gildon and Greene before him, who is his heir apparent? Woirlds, Carter or maybe a draft pick this year? I'd love to see the Steelers draft WVU's Bruce Irvin. He has the athleticism and speed to be that guy. But in reality I doubt he will last much past the 2nd round. The need for the OL defiantly needs more attention. And if an OL isn't drafted in the 1st, it's almost a certainty they will reach for one in the 2nd.
So let's play Nostradamus for a minute. Let's say Wallace is signed by another team before the draft and that gives the Steelers another 1st/rd pick. Assuming it will be after the 20th pick a guy like Irvin or even Zach Brown could be considered. That might take care of the OLB position if Harrison were to be released after 2012.
Then we have our favorite OC Haley. How will he alter the offense? If Wallace is lost and the "emphasis" by Rooney on regaining the running game actually is implemented then losing Wallace really wouldnít be that bad. That will undoubtedly depend on if Cotchery is signed and the health of Sanders. Sure Wallace is one of if not the biggest deep threats in the league and was Antonio Brownís big 2011 a result of Wallace being on the other side? Maybe, maybe not. If it was up to me and Iím sure a lot of other fans Iíd rather have Wallace then not. And Iím sure Colbert and Tomlin are doing all they can to make sure heís a Steeler for the long term.
Now let say Wallace stays this year. Does he except the 1st round tender offer like a team player or does he play the diva role like DeSean Jackson did last year? This I think will be very fascinating watching how it plays out.

There are still a lot of unknowns left to play out until 2012 starts. And I sure havenít mentioned all the factors that will be involved. But one thing is for sure, 2013 looks like its going to be just as rocky an off-season as 2012 has been.

A couple random thoughts....2013 won't be a huge year for free agency for the Steelers in terms of a ton of impact players but there will be a handful. Potentially Wallace if he doesn't get signed long term, and both Brown and Wallace being restricted free agents. You might say, well that's pretty big! It is in the sense of the names but the Steelers will not allow themselves to lose all 3 players over the next 12 months. You might not be able to keep all 3 but certainly 2 will remain.

Harrison's cap hit in 2013 will hover around $10 million. Certainly that will be one that will restructured at the very least. I don't expect they'll take an outside linebacker this year so one would think for the time being they are going to ride out Harrison as long as they can while other issues are addressed.

Next year, the needs will be Safety, OLB and TE. That could change based on how things shape up this year though. We will probably look for more OL depth. Harrison's age is a concern, as is Troy's. Not to mention the WR FAs.

I don't think Hampton will make the team this year, nor will Harrison be cut (but will be restructured.)

Harrison's back shouldn't be a concern anymore. By the time he got back from the broken orbital bone, his back was barely an issue if at all. His current contract will be his last most likely, he's signed through 2014.

Originally Posted by Nolrog

Next year, the needs will be Safety, OLB and TE. That could change based on how things shape up this year though. We will probably look for more OL depth. Harrison's age is a concern, as is Troy's. Not to mention the WR FAs.

I don't think Hampton will make the team this year, nor will Harrison be cut (but will be restructured.)

OLB will definitely be on the radar next year but Safety will be a primary concern too. Polamalu is signed through 2014, Clark through 2013.

I agree with both of you about Hampton. I can see the side that says just get rid of him, he's got a bad knee and high cap value but I can also see keeping him around at least until training camp. Either way this is his last year so hopefully he makes a good one if he's on the roster.

As far as the wide receivers go, I just can't help but think they'll find a way to keep at least 2 of the 3 big names together after 2012. The wrench in the works will be if Sanders has a big 2012 and 2013 where his stock could skyrocket. As of now he'd be a middle tier prospect with a nice upside.